ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals: EVPs, All-Stars, MVP makazze & NAVI’s Title Run

Natus Vincere (NAVI) claimed the ESL Pro League Season 23 trophy in dominant fashion, marking their return to tier-one success and reshaping the current CS2 competitive landscape. Alongside the title, the tournament delivered standout individual performances, with Drin “makazze” Shaqiri earning his first-ever MVP award and leading the list of EVPs and All-Star players.

This breakdown covers the EPL S23 Finals MVP, EVPs, All-Stars roster, key stats, and player quotes, along with additional context from playoffs and interviews.

ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals MVP: makazze leads NAVI to victory

Makazze was officially named MVP of ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals, becoming the centerpiece of NAVI’s championship run.

First tier-one MVP of his career

First HLTV MVP winner from Kosovo

Dominant playoff performances, including decisive maps vs The MongolZ and FUT

In a post-match interview, makazze highlighted the importance of the achievement:

“Now that I won a tier-one event, I’m writing history.”

His performance also directly addressed NAVI’s earlier struggles. Prior to playoffs, coach B1ad3 pointed out that the team lacked firepower in key matches — something makazze decisively fixed during the event.

ESL Pro League S23 EVPs (Exceptionally Valuable Players)

HLTV awarded EVP status to the following standout players:

makazze (NAVI) – MVP and tournament leader

w0nderful (NAVI) – Grand Final MVP-level performance

Wicadia (Aurora) – Key factor in Aurora’s deep run

phzy (Astralis) – Breakout playoff showing

Why these players stood out:

w0nderful delivered a massive Grand Final:

1.56 rating

82 kills in the series vs Aurora

Wicadia dominated in Aurora’s wins:

1.56 rating across their map victories

Consistent playoff impact despite weaker final

phzy produced one of the biggest upsets:

41 kills, 1.76 rating vs Spirit

Led Astralis to a top-three finish

After his standout match, phzy commented:

“You can feel the Swedish support… maybe that’s why I had a life game.”

ESL Pro League Season 23 All-Star Team

HLTV’s official All-Star lineup featured:

makazze (NAVI)

w0nderful (NAVI)

b1t (NAVI)

MAJ3R (Aurora)

Wicadia (Aurora)

NAVI dominated the selection with three players
b1t secured the anchor role
Wicadia was chosen as the closer for his clutch performances

Due to HLTV’s three-player team limit, Aleksib narrowly missed inclusion despite strong leadership throughout the event.

NAVI vs Aurora Grand Final Recap

NAVI defeated Aurora 3-1 in the Grand Final, securing their first tier-one trophy since IEM Rio 2024.

Key takeaways:

w0nderful was the best performer in the final

makazze remained the most consistent player across the entire event

NAVI showed improved firepower and stability

This victory officially ended NAVI’s trophy drought and re-established them as a top contender in CS2.

Aurora’s Breakout Run & Wicadia’s Rise

Aurora emerged as one of the biggest surprises of EPL S23.

Reached the Grand Final

Eliminated top teams along the way

Established themselves as a consistent playoff threat

Before playoffs, Wicadia expressed confidence in the team:

“Most of the teams are not in the best shape, so I think we have a high chance.”

Meanwhile, MAJ3R added extra narrative ahead of the final:

“I feel like revenge for when we lost to NAVI in the EPL final.”

Despite the loss, Aurora’s performance signals a strong future in tier-one CS2.

Key Playoff Moments That Defined EPL S23

NAVI vs FUT (Semifinal)

NAVI won 2-1

makazze delivered a crucial ace on Dust2

Emotional match vs former NAVI Junior core

Makazze admitted after the match:

“We trolled on Ancient… we should have closed it earlier.”

Aleksib added:

“You could feel that there was something extra about the game.”

Astralis vs Spirit (Quarterfinal upset)

phzy delivered a career-defining performance

Major upset that opened the bracket

Playoff structure highlights

24 teams started the event

Reduced to 8-team LAN finals in Stockholm

Favorites like Spirit and MOUZ eliminated early

ESL Grand Slam Impact

With this win, NAVI officially entered the ESL Grand Slam Season VI race.

Current situation:

NAVI need 3 more titles (including a Championship event)

Vitality are one win away from completing the Grand Slam

Spirit and FURIA remain in contention

Final Verdict: What EPL Season 23 Changed

ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals delivered:

✔ A new MVP star in makazze
✔ NAVI’s return to elite form
✔ Aurora’s emergence as a top-tier contender
✔ phzy’s breakout performance for Astralis
✔ A more open competitive landscape behind Vitality

Most importantly, NAVI proved they now have the firepower and consistency to compete for the biggest CS2 trophies again.